Career Advice brought to you by the Renascent Group...

Staging A Great Interview

reprinted from Net Temps

Hiring managers are often surprised at how unprepared many people are for
some of the most typical interview questions. Take the time to practice some
sample questions to help them prepare prior to the interview. These could
include common ones, such as: "Tell me about yourself;" "Why are you
exploring a job change?"; and "What are your short and long-term goals?"

Avoid the political approach

Politicians are often accused of not answering a question completely. The
same is also said of some people in interviews. Hiring managers are not only
looking for the answer to a question asked, but are also using this to
assess the listening skills of candidates. With this in mind, pay careful
attention to what the interviewer says and what is being asked.

Great questions can land you the job

Dianne, a hiring manager, shared, "I have hired more than one person
because of the thoughtfulness of the questions they asked me. I think one of
my all-time favorites is, 'What could I show or tell you right now that
would convince you that I am the one for the job?' I never told him this,
but at that moment the job was his—and he still works in my department six
years later." Create a list of 10 or more provocative questions that you
would like answered during the interview.

You do your job, and I’ll do mine

Avoid asking "what can you do for me?" questions, especially in the first
interview. These include questions regarding salary, benefits, bonuses, and
vacation time. Remember, the Renascent Group is the negotiator and will
handle all of these details for you.

It’s what you know to avoid a NO

Employers are often frustrated when a candidate knows little or nothing
about the company for which they are applying. Learn as much as possible
about the company where you are interviewing. This includes details about
the job or assignment, the organizational structure, and the products or
services delivered by the company. Visit the company’s website and review
any materials provided by the recruiter regarding the company profile and
job description.

Being "suited" for the position

The appearance of individuals attending interviews needs to be
appropriate and professional. Candidates should be dressed in business
attire for interviews, regardless of the level of the position. For men,
this includes a pressed shirt and tie or, even better, a suit. For women,
the recommended attire includes a business suit or dress in a conservative
color.

The early bird gets the job

Being on time is no longer the standard. Managers take special note when
candidates arrive promptly for the interview. Arriving ten to fifteen
minutes early sends a message of strong interest and professionalism.

Say NO to negative remarks

Negative comments leave a negative impression, even when those comments
are accurate. Never make disparaging remarks about current or previous
employers, managers, or co-workers. Remember, “if you can’t say anything
nice, it’s better to say nothing at all!"

Through some planning and deliberate effort, you can be confident that
you are prepared for the interview. By taking the proactive steps outlined
above, you have an opportunity to distinguish yourself from your
competitors. These skills will give you the ability to improve your career,
get back to work, or transition from an undesirable employment situation to
a better one.